I.C.T. (Information Communication Technology)
Staff Head of ICT: Mr M EvansSupporting Staff: Mr T Newbery
Technician: Mr D Nichols
The importance of ICT, not only as a stand alone subject but as the principle tool in all other subjects in the curriculum has at last been recognised by the government in making ICT a compulsory part of the KS3 assessment and using online testing to conduct this assessment.
The school has 2 purpose built computer suites in the main body of the school, in addition the Juniors have their own suite as do the Sixth form in their own individual buildings. All computers are networked and internet enabled. Internet filtering is applied for the protection of all pupils.
Pupils are given maximum opportunity for the hands on practical approach to learning and are expected to have reached a high standard of ability by the end of year 9. Every pupil will have their own computer in a lesson and class size policy means that everyone can receive the personal help and attention they need. Progress is monitored and recorded on pupil's individual record sheets and the progress reviewed every half term.
It is appreciated that pupils have different facilities available at home and may have to share these facilities with the family, so prep work set in ICT ensures that no pupil is disadvantaged because of these reasons.
KS3: All the requirements of the ICT National Curriculum are fully met as pupils discover how ICT is used in the world around us, learn how ICT can work as a research and development tool and experience the art of data collection and presentation in this and other subjects. The emphasis is again on the practical "hands on" approach with every pupil having their own workstation in class.
GCSE: The course currently being studied is entitled "Business Communication Studies" (Edexcel Examining Board). This has proved to be a very popular course which studies under four main areas
1. Communication
2. Money Transfer
3. Data Gathering & Presentation
4. Legislation
This course is particularly interesting because it deals with the latest in communication technology methods and has further proved itself as a good introduction for further education courses in either Business Studies or ICT (see below)
Assessment is by:
- Practical Examination (35% of final mark);
- written Examination (40% of final mark), and
- the construction of a report based on a real Company or Organisation giving the remaining 25% of the final mark.
AS/A2: The Course currently being studied is Information & Communication Technology (OCR Examining Board). This course is ideal in making students aware of the ever growing impact of ICT. It helps them to reflect critically on ICT's role in society increasing their ability to address the social and ethical issues of technological advancement whilst developing their ability to analyse and develop interpersonal and technical skills.
Assessment at both levels is by 1 written modular exam and a practical, scenario based to allow the student to demonstrate competence in the skills of design, testing, implementation and documentation in their adaption of generic software for a specific designed purpose.
